Kleindienst Not Answering Calls

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency has been unable to communicate with former U.S. Attorney General Richard S. Kleindienst for comments on his services as an agent in the United States for the government of Algeria. The JTA, which revealed Kleindienst’s activities for Algeria, placed telephone calls to his law office here but the former highest ranking U.S. law officer has not responded. One request was taken on his recording device and another telephone call was accepted by a receptionist at his office.

Kleindienst was hired last Dec. by Algeria’s Minister of Industry and Energy, M. Abdesselam, at $12,000 a month in salary and expenses as “legal counsel for business circles. Congressional relations, and relations with various official governmental bodies in Washington, D.C. and the rest of the United States.” In addition, Abdesselam wrote him that he would be entrusted with “specific missions” that would be described in detail “when the moment arrives.”

As required by the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Kleindienst filed a report last May at the Department of Justice on his activities and expenditures. In this report, Kleindienst denied expending any funds, either his or Algeria’s or giving gifts in connection with an American election of any kind. He also denied preparing or issuing political propaganda. Kleindienst is to file his next report in Dec.